Sacramento hosts a unique Kennedy-Chavez photo exhibit; families of the two men mark 30 years since RFK’s assassination

On the 30th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy’s death in Los Angeles, the families of RFK and Cesar Chavez are honoring them with "Celebrating a Legacy of Social Justice," a novel photographic exhibit that has come to Sacramento for one month beginning Oct. 5. A reception on Saturday, Oct. 10 will feature Chavez’s son, Paul Chavez, Mayor Joe Serna Jr. as well as other men and women associated with Chavez’s cause and Kennedy’s tragic 1968 presidential campaign.

The nonprofit Robert F. Kennedy Memorial and Cesar E. Chavez Foundation are sponsoring the tribute–with about 150 photos–displayed from Oct. 5 to Nov. 7 on three floors of the La Raza Galleria Posada in the Heilbron Mansion, 704 "O" Street. It comes three decades after one of the historic milestones in modern American political history–the June 4, 1968 California Democratic primary. Some 2,000 persons attended the exhibit’s premiere at L.A.’s Union Station on May 28. Since then it has been shown at galleries and museums in Los Angeles and San Diego.

The photos depict men and women who stood with Kennedy and Chavez in the 1960s, and those who were later inspired by them. Most participants are represented with photographs of themselves taken around 1968, a current photo and a brief quote on what the two men mean to them. Also central to the display are historical photography and a video with 1960s film footage–all illustrating the special relationship between two men from starkly different backgrounds who still inspire millions of Americans. Memorabilia from Kennedy’s 1968 campaign is also part of the exhibit.

Who: Cesar Chavez’s son, Paul, Mayor Joe Serna Jr. and activists associated with Chavez and RFK’s 1968 race in Sacramento.

What: Reception for unique photo exhibit honoring Robert Kennedy and Cesar Chavez on the 30th anniversary of RFK’s death.

When: 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, 1998 (exhibit will be on public display from Oct. 5-Nov. 7).

Where: La Raza Galleria Posada, 704 "O" St. (at 7th St.), in Sacramento.

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